Ottawa, Ontario, June 23, 2016 – The program has been announced for Canada’s largest annual Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition to be held November 1-3, 2016 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Hosted by the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) and Hannover Fairs (Canada), the conference will highlight wind energy commitments, opportunities and innovations across all regions of Canada. Additionally, this year’s event will focus on Alberta and Saskatchewan’s significant new renewable energy and climate change commitments.

This year’s Wind Energy Conference discussion topics include:

Asset management to maximize value

Innovation: Integration and interconnection into the grid

Social aspects of wind development for emerging markets

Latest developments and advancements in resource assessment

The future potential of wind energy storage

Industry initiatives and advancements to reduce impacts on wildlife and specifically bat populations

“As Canada’s national wind energy association, CanWEA is committed to offering all of our members and the international renewable energy community an in-depth look at Canada’s wind energy markets and the challenges and opportunities associated with them,” said Robert Hornung, CanWEA President. “Hosting this year’s annual conference in Calgary brings a special focus to Western Canada, as well as to CanWEA’s ongoing role in helping Canada and the world move toward low carbon economies.”

In Fall 2015, Alberta committed to phase out all pollution from coal-fired generation and indicated it would take steps to have up to 30 percent of all electricity generated from renewable energy sources in Alberta by 2030. The current figure is nine percent. Alberta ranks third in Canada today with an installed wind energy capacity of 1,500 MW and wind energy is expected to represent the overwhelming majority of new renewable energy development in the province.

“The leadership shown by Alberta’s government to replace two-thirds of existing coal-fired electricity generation capacity with renewable energy will greatly help the province in achieving its ambitious climate change objectives,” adds Hornung. Alberta’s government understands that increasing wind energy use not only benefits the climate, but also makes economic sense for its citizens, as wind energy is a cost-competitive source of new generation. Additionally, wind energy brings investment and jobs to Alberta’s rural communities, boosting the province’s overall economy.

In Saskatchewan, SaskPower, the province’s principal electric utility, is working to procure 1,600 MW of new wind energy by 2030. SaskPower’s wind energy target is part of a broader plan to have renewable energy sources represent 50 percent of installed electricity generation capacity in Saskatchewan within 15 years. This commitment will greatly cut greenhouse gas emissions and help to address climate change.

“As the focus on renewable energy accelerates across the world, strategic discussions about wind energy trends and best practices are essential,” said Hannover Fairs President and CEO Larry Turner. “The dynamic range of speakers and topics presented during this year’s conference will offer delegates, industry experts, political leaders and key stakeholders an opportunity to keep pace and participate in these critical conversations.”

“I strongly encourage all Canadian renewable energy stakeholders to attend this year’s Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition and to take part in its topical discussions this November,” added Hornung.

The CanWEA Annual Conference and Exhibition is organized by Hannover Fairs Canada, Inc., a subsidiary of Deutsche Messe AG, in partnership with the Canadian Wind Energy Association. The event is Canada’s biggest wind-energy fair. CanWEA 2016 is scheduled for November 1-3, 2016 at the BMO Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

About Deutsche Messe AG

From its headquarters in Hannover, Germany, Deutsche Messe AG plans and stages leading capital goods trade fairs around the globe. The company ranks among the five biggest tradeshow organizers in Germany, with projected revenue of 329 million euros in 2015. The company’s event portfolio includes such world-leading events as CeBIT (digital business), HANNOVER MESSE (industrial technology), BIOTECHNICA/LABVOLUTION (biotechnology and lab technology), CeMAT (intralogistics and supply chain management), didacta (education), DOMOTEX (carpets and floor coverings), INTERSCHUTZ (fire prevention, disaster relief, rescue, safety and security), and LIGNA (woodworking, wood processing, forestry). With approximately 1,200 employees and a network of 66 representatives, subsidiaries and branch offices, Deutsche Messe is present in more than 100 countries worldwide.

About Hannover Fairs

Hannover Fairs develops and manages marketing programs at Deutsche Messe events in Hannover, Germany and the United States, as well as in such key emerging markets as China, India and Turkey. Working closely with its clients, Hannover Fairs helps them maintain their competitive position on and off the event floor. The company’s programs reflect the global scope of Deutsche Messe’s activities.